​Liverpool has unveiled a permanent memorial outside Anfield to honor Diogo Jota and his brother Andre Silva on the first anniversary of their deaths. The “Forever 20” memorial, created by renowned sculptor Emma Rodgers, features a flowing heart as the central design, reflecting the forward’s goal celebration. From multiple angles, the sculpture also presents the numbers 20 and 30, the brothers’ shirt numbers, and includes the lyrics to Jota’s song, which has been sung at the 20th minute of every match since his death in a car crash on July 3, 2025.
Over the past year, temporary tributes such as scarves and shirts have been incorporated into the sculpture’s stone plinth and surface, set in wax and embedded using stone from Gondomar, the brothers’ hometown. A single flower tribute has been cast in bronze, and a PlayStation controller has been included to reference Jota’s love of gaming and his signature celebration. A Liverpool statement said: “Forever 20 will serve as a permanent symbol of love, unity and remembrance, and a place where everyone can reflect, remember and pay their respects.”
Portugal also paid tribute to Jota after their World Cup victory over Croatia. Captain Cristiano Ronaldo wore a special “21” shirt in Jota’s memory, and the squad gathered with the shirt held aloft. Before the end of the last-32 tie, Jota’s image appeared on the big screen in Toronto during the national anthem, drawing a loud cheer from supporters.
Listen to the sculptor discuss the memorial below or on BBC Sounds.